Giants defensive end Michael Strahan to retire

6/9/2008

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. Seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan is retiring after a 15-year career, capped by a Super Bowl title with the New York Giants in February.

The 36-year-old Strahan, the NFL's active leader in sacks, informed the Giants on Monday.

"I'm just finding out about it; let me get organized," coach Tom Coughlin said after a team offseason workout.

Strahan's retirement first was reported by Foxsports.com

"It was important that my teammates knew which way I was going before they got on the field to start the work to defend our title," Strahan told the Web site. "It's time. I'm done."

Strahan had hinted at retirement last season and missed almost all of training camp while coming to a decision to play.

He returned days before the season, anchoring a defensive line that was instrumental in hounding New England quarterback Tom Brady in New York's stunning Super Bowl victory over the previously unbeaten Patriots.